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Bradford Game of Thrones star Enzo Cilenti to ride 980 miles with dad for Parkinson’s charity
Enzo Cilenti and his dad Pietro doing the Nightrider challenge for Parkinson';s
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BRADFORD-born Hollywood actor Enzo Cilenti is taking on an epic cycling challenge from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
Enzo, 44, will be attempting the 980-mile journey on a tandem bike with his dad Pietro, 66, who lives in Bradford and has the progressive brain condition Parkinson’s.
The duo set off today (Saturday, September 8) and are aiming to complete the challenge in nine days.
Enzo is best known for his work in Game of Thrones, Guardians of the Galaxy, the Theory of Everything, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, and Bridget Jones’s Baby. He is also starring in the BBC’s forthcoming adaptation of Les Misérables.
The father and son cycle is part of the Deloitte Ride Across Britain challenge and they have already raised £20,000 for the charity Parkinson’s UK’s pioneering research to find a cure. The money will also help to fund the charity’s support services for the 145,000 people living with the condition, which includes 11,400 people in Yorkshire and Humber.
This is the second ultra-cycling challenge Enzo and his dad have embarked on for the charity; in 2015 they completed the legendary Mont Ventoux on a tandem. Since then Pietro’s condition has progressed and sadly this new challenge is the last that they are able to do together.
Parkinson’s UK’s work in Yorkshire includes around 20 local groups offering community support for those affected by the condition, as well as ten local advisers who provide emotional and practical support to those in need.
Enzo said: “Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012 like his grandfather and mother before him. It’s a crippling neurological condition and there’s still no cure. That’s why we’re taking part in the Ride Across Britain - to raise money for Parkinson’s UK’s research work.
“Dad wasn’t going to sit around and let his condition get worse. Exercise is vital for improving the symptoms for people with Parkinson’s, so when he was diagnosed he got back on his bike and so did I. This challenge will be our hardest yet and is the equivalent of climbing two Mount Everests.”
Enzo’s dad Pietro said: “Life throws many difficulties at us and from adversity we must seek opportunity. We must push for better treatments to halt the progress of this horrible condition and find a cure.
“This is going to be my last challenge. I will give my all.”
Parkinson’s UK is the leading charity driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through cutting edge research, information, support and campaigning.
Parkinson’s UK estimate that there are more than 40 symptoms of the condition. As well as the most widely known symptom - tremor - these range from physical symptoms like muscle stiffness to depression, anxiety, hallucinations, memory problems and dementia, but Parkinson’s affects everyone differently.
To support Enzo and his dad with their challenge you can donate to their Virgin Money Giving page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/PeterandEnzoCilentiTeamTandem.
Chrissie Fielden, Regional Fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK in Yorkshire and Humber, said: “We’re so grateful to our amazing fundraisers like Enzo and his dad, whose challenges help us keep our vital support services and research programmes going. The money raised through their impressive cycle will go towards helping the 11,400 people in Yorkshire and Humber living with Parkinson’s.
“Without support like Enzo and Pietro’s, nothing we do would be possible. We wish them the best of luck with their cycle.”
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/16695736.game-of-thrones-star-enzo-cilenti-to-ride-980-miles-with-his-bradford-dad-for-parkinsons-charity/
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